Small and Artisanal Miners are learning how to mine ‘greener’
DPI, Guyana, Thursday, June 21, 2018
The Guyana Mining School opened its two-day symposium on greener mining for small and artisanal miners.
The symposium is a collaboration between the Australian High Commission and the Ministry of Natural Resources through the Guyana Mining School. Ministry of Natural Resources’ Technical Officer for Mining, Euliene Watson noted the government’s commitment to sustainable mining, at the opening at Cara Lodge, Quamina Street.
“The government does not have any intention of closing down the industry, however, it is expected that miners must be more cognisant of the environment in which they operate,” Watson told the miners.
Watson added the seminar’s theme, which is “Towards a green development strategy, ensuring decent work environments for artisanal and small-scale miners”, is heartening.
The artisanal, small and medium miners make major contributions to the country’s economy. At a reception on Wednesday evening, Australian High Commissioner to Guyana, John Pilbeam, explained the symposium is part of continuing efforts to engage the Australian alumni in the Caribbean.
The pioneering symposium will address organisational issues using land labour and capital efficiently,” Ambassador Pilbeam explained. “Mining will always be hard work but that’s fine. If you can earn a decent living from it by prospecting where you’re much more likely to find the gold and diamonds that you are looking for, book knowledge as well as experience of geology can help,” he said.
The symposium will also feature presentations on alternatives to mercury for increased recovery as well as safe and environmentally friendly mining practices. The symposium concludes on June 22. The symposium will feature presentations by international experts and academia from Australia and Guyana.
By: Tiffny Rhodius.
Images: Jameel Mohamed and Keno George.